We are calling on dog owners to be aware of ‘Operation Recall’ to keep our family pets, and local livestock, safe.

Operation Recall was was implemented by Hampshire & Isle of Wight this year, with national animal welfare charities, including Naturewatch Foundation and the RSPCA, joining forces with police and the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU) to raise awareness and help tackle issues of livestock worrying.

Livestock worrying is when a dog attacks or chases livestock on agricultural land or is at large in a field with livestock, which can result in significant injury or suffering and in the worst cases, death of the animals involved. This also has devastating consequences for livestock keepers, causing personal distress as well as significant financial costs.

Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, it is a criminal offence for a dog to actively worry livestock and dog owners risk prosecution.

We recognise that the majority of dog owners walk their pets in a responsible manner, but unfortunately there are a small minority whose recklessness puts the welfare of other animals at risk.

Some key points to bear in mind to help with the welfare of livestock and your dog:

This comes after three sheep were killed as a result of dogs running of leads in a field on the Isle of Wight.

On the afternoon of Sunday 24 November, sheep were chased by a dog in the fields off Worsley Road, Newport, with one fleeing through a boundary fence and running off towards Hunnyhill. 

Three of the sheep involved in this incident died as a result of stress.

Then on Thursday 28 November, at around 12.50pm, sheep were chased by a dog in the same field off Worsley Road again, and one of the sheep was later found wandering in a brook. None of the sheep were reported injured or killed on this occasion.

We are appealing for anyone with information about these two incidents specifically, or concerns around livestock worrying in this area to please contact police on 101, quoting 44240511747.

Remember – protect your dog and protect livestock. It is your responsibility as an owner to keep your dog safe and keep your dog on a lead.

For more information on Operation Recall, visit: https://naturewatch.org/campaigns/operation-recall/